The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has initiated a neutering programme aimed at fostering responsible pet ownership and curbing the proliferation of stray animals within the region.
The announcement of the programme came from Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad on May 20, marking a significant step in addressing the issue of stray animals in the area.
MBSP councillor Heng Yeh Shiuan highlighted that the programme is a collaborative effort with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) participating in the council’s “Trap, Neuter, Release, Manage, and Community Engagement” (TNR-M and CE) initiative.
Under this programme, pet owners and animal shelters stand to benefit from subsidies amounting to RM50 per cat and RM100 per dog when they opt to have their pets neutered at designated veterinary clinics. These clinics include the Pet Wellness Veterinary Clinic in north Seberang Perai, Venice Veterinary Clinic in central Seberang Perai, and Introvet Veterinary Clinic in south Seberang Perai.
Interested individuals can register their pets at the participating clinics, with the programme scheduled to run until December 31 or until all available slots are filled.
Heng disclosed that since January, over 450 stray animals have undergone neutering procedures across 57 registered TNR-M and CE areas. Emphasizing MBSP’s commitment to a no-kill policy, she reiterated the council’s adherence to standard operating procedures outlined by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Stray animals, if unclaimed, are transferred to the permanent care center of SPCA Seberang Perai after a week.
Regarding stray animal management, Heng revealed that 1,200 stray dogs were captured as of last April, with a total of 4,148 captured throughout the previous year.
Meanwhile, the contentious issue of stray animal management has also garnered attention elsewhere, particularly in Selangor, where the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) faced backlash from animal welfare groups for its initial plan to cull 500 stray dogs. This move was widely condemned by animal welfare advocates, who advocated for more humane methods of stray population control.
Barbara Janssen, founder of the Penang Animal Welfare Society (4PAWS), emphasized that euthanasia should never be the solution to managing stray populations. Instead, she stressed the importance of educating pet owners and incentivizing them to neuter or spay their pets.
Janssen shared insights from her experience managing a no-kill shelter in Teluk Bahang, where she cares for over 600 stray dogs, ensuring that all are spayed or neutered despite the financial challenges involved. She noted a decline in adoption rates in recent months, highlighting the financial strain of sustaining the shelter, which relies entirely on public donations.
To maintain the shelter’s operations, Janssen estimated a monthly requirement of RM40,000 to cover veterinary expenses, staff salaries, and food supplies for the dogs. The significant portion of the budget allocated to food underscores the financial burden faced in managing stray animal populations.
Janssen emphasized the crucial role of public support in sustaining efforts to address stray animal welfare, stressing the need for continued community involvement and contributions to ensure the welfare of these animals.
